Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Anyone you forgive, remedy I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Thought for the Day: Don’t let the word “Satan” throw you here. Paul (a Jew) is using it in the Jewish sense of adversary or adversity, which could come in the form of a person  (HaSatan) or a difficult situation. Satan was not a supernatural, embodied evil to the ancient Jewish people, or to early Christians. The idea of Satan as a literal, embodied, fallen angel is a result of the influence of misinterpreted Platonic thought on early Christian thinking. Paul doesn’t suffer from this misunderstanding, and is talking about overcoming the adversity that comes from following Jesus, who urges us to forgive completely—both others and ourselves.

The Christian path is difficult enough without needing to believe the ludicrous notion that the Devil is prodding you with a pitchfork, causing you to do self-destructive things. “The Devil made me do it,” is a cop out. We’re responsible for our own transgressions. Owning up to our mistakes, seeking forgiveness from those we’ve wronged, and accepting forgiveness from them and God is the ultimate definition of GRACE. We are forgiven not because we deserve forgiveness, but because the nature of God is so loving that we are forgiven despite our shortcomings. It is a parable for the way we are to forgive others as well—gracefully.

Prayer: Grant me the grace to forgive others, and myself, as completely and honestly as you forgive me, O Glorious God of mercy. Amen.